Finance Director Jennifer Evans presented the proposed 2026 operating and capital budget to the Nixa City Council on Nov. 25, describing it as structurally balanced and the product of months of interdepartmental work.

Evans said the budget anticipates nearly $73,600,000 in revenues and $96,500,000 in expenses (figures exclude transfers between funds). She highlighted projected revenue increases — about 2% in sales tax, 16% in use tax and 7% in real‑estate tax, the latter driven by valuation increases rather than higher tax rates. Evans said the city plans to issue bonds to finance a Southwest lift station and sludge holding basin (about $12.4 million) and a new water tower (about $8.0 million).

Personnel costs total about $19.4 million and include market adjustments to bring full‑time staff toward the 50th percentile; Evans also noted a 37% rise in property and liability insurance premiums and increases in health and dental insurance costs. The capital program exceeds $50 million and lists key projects including a city hall remodel, new police facility, AMI metering, a substation, water‑main loop work, multiuse paths and stormwater phases.

Evans said the budget reflects an estimated unrestricted cash balance of $25.5 million after restrictions. She told council members that hardware costs for IT were not finalized and that a budget amendment would be brought later if necessary. The council opened and closed a public hearing on the budget and thanked staff for the work; no votes on final adoption were recorded at the meeting.